The Sennheiser HD 450BT are alright wireless over-ear headphones. While they have a similarly sleek and decently built design as the Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC, they offer over 24 hours of continuous battery life which is outstandingly long. However, most other aspects of these headphones are okay and don't really stand out too much from their competitors. Their active noise cancelling feature has a fair performance but it struggles to reduce bass-range noise like bus or train engines. They also have a tight fit, helping them stay stable on your head during a light run. On the downside, their headband doesn't have a lot of padding and their ear cups may not fit larger ears well, which can make them uncomfortable to wear for several hours at a time.
Our Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 450BT are satisfactory for neutral sound. They have a slight overemphasis across the bass range, and their treble is a bit dark. These headphones also have inconsistent mid and treble delivery, and their small ear cup holes can affect their seal on your head. Luckily, you can tweak their sound to be more neutral via the graphic EQ and presets on their companion app.
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Graphic EQ and presets.
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Over 24 hours of continuous battery life.
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Some users may find these headphones uncomfortable.
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Inconsistent mid-treble delivery.
The Sennheiser HD 450BT are satisfactory for commute and travel. These bulky headphones have an okay ANC cancelling feature that can help cut a small bit of bass-range noise like bus or train engines, but it likely won't be enough for an ambient noise-free experience. Their headband isn't well-padded either and some users may find their tight fit uncomfortable. Their ear cups may not have enough space to fit larger ears without breaking their seal on your head either. On the upside, they have a good battery life that should last a long travel day.
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Over 24 hours of continuous battery life.
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Okay ANC feature.
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Some users may find these headphones uncomfortable.
The Sennheiser HD 450BT are satisfactory for sports and fitness. While they're a little bulky, they're stable enough to wear for a light run or jog. Thanks to their wireless design, there's no audio cable to snag on something and yank them off your head. However, some users may find their fit to be a little tight or that the headband feels uncomfortable. More rigorous physical activity can also knock them off your head.
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Over 24 hours of continuous battery life.
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Some users may find these headphones uncomfortable.
The Sennheiser HD 450BT are decent for office use. They have a tight fit and some users may find the headband or the ear cups uncomfortable, especially for long listening sessions. That said, they have an okay ANC feature which can help cut down office chatter, and they don't leak a lot of sound either. They also have a very long battery life so you don't need to worry about your headphones dying before the end of your work day.
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Over 24 hours of continuous battery life.
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Okay ANC feature.
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Some users may find these headphones uncomfortable.
The Sennheiser HD 450BT aren't recommended for wireless gaming. They're Bluetooth-only, so they aren't compatible with Xbox or PlayStation consoles. However you can connect them to Bluetooth-enabled PCs with aptX-LL (Low Latency) codec to ensure the lowest latency performance possible.
The Sennheiser HD 450BT are satisfactory for wired gaming. If you only want to hear your game audio, you can plug the headphones into a PC or a PlayStation or Xbox controller, but you won't be able to use their mic. They have a balanced but dark sound, and you can use their companion app to further customize its sound via its graphic EQ and presets.
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Graphic EQ and presets.
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Over 24 hours of continuous battery life.
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Some users may find these headphones uncomfortable.
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Disappointing integrated microphone.
The Sennheiser HD 450BT are mediocre for phone calls. They use an integrated microphone but while it can capture the depth of your voice, it sounds noticeably muffled and lacking in detail. It also has a lot of trouble separating speech from even moderately noisy environments. On the upside, the headphones have an okay noise isolation performance and their ANC feature can further help to reduce noise around you.
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Over 24 hours of continuous battery life.
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Okay ANC feature.
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Some users may find these headphones uncomfortable.
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Disappointing integrated microphone.
- 7.1 Neutral Sound
- 7.0 Commute/Travel
- 7.1 Sports/Fitness
- 7.0 Office
- 5.4 Wireless Gaming
- 7.0 Wired Gaming
- 6.3 Phone Calls
- Updated Nov 29, 2023: We've added a comparison between these headphones and the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless in Build Quality.
- Updated Nov 02, 2023: The following test groups have been updated following TB 1.6: Wired Connection, and Bluetooth Connection. There have also been text changes made throughout the review, including to the usages and product comparisons to match these results.
- Updated Nov 02, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.6 , which updates how we measure latency. We've updated and renamed the following test groups: Wired Connection, Bluetooth Connection, and Wireless Connection (Dongle). We've also added new codec latency measurements and provided an audio sample of recorded latency.
- Updated Jul 07, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.5.
- Updated Aug 18, 2020: Review published.
- Updated Aug 13, 2020: Early access published.
- Updated Jul 29, 2020: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Jul 24, 2020: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
- Updated Jul 16, 2020: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Sennheiser HD 450BT come in two color variants: Black and White. Although we tested the black variant, results should be valid for both colors.
Compared To Other Headphones
The Sennheiser HD 450BT are fair wireless headphones. They have an ANC feature that doesn't really stand out too much amongst other ANC headphones, especially as it struggles a bit more to cut down bass noise. It also has a very tight fit, and similar to the Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC, its headband is only lightly padded, which can be uncomfortable for some users, especially during long listening sessions.
If you're looking for more headphones, check out our recommendations for the best wireless Bluetooth headphones, the best noise cancelling headphones, and the best headphones for music.
The Sony WH-CH720N Wireless came out after the Sennheiser HD 450BT Wireless with some benefits of time like better battery performance, more app features, and more refined controls. The Sony also have virtual surround sound and a comprehensive app with EQ. Their ANC is slightly more effective with mid-range noise, like traffic, but their overall performance is similar. The Sony have frequency response inconsistency depending on where they sit, whereas the Sennheiser have small ear cups that limit some people's ability to get a good seal, and that also impacts their sound. Nevertheless, the Sennheiser can yield higher quality aptX audio and low latency audio with aptX-LL. Their app includes EQ, but it's simpler.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Sennheiser HD 450BT Wireless or the JBL Tune 760NC Wireless. The JBL have a more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box and a longer continuous battery life. Also, they're a better choice for phone calls, thanks to their superior microphone performance. However, the Sennheiser are more stable and leak less audio. Also, their companion app has a graphic EQ and presets, so you have more ability to customize their sound.
The Sennheiser HD 450BT Wireless are slightly more versatile headphones than the Sony WH-CH710N Wireless. The Sennheiser are more stable, and they have better noise isolation performance. Their default sound profile is a bit more balanced than the bass-heavy Sony, which some users may prefer, and they also have a graphic EQ and presets in their companion app, which the Sony lack. Unlike the Sony, the Sennheiser can be paired with up to two devices at the same time. However, the Sony are a more comfortable pair of headphones.
The Jabra Elite 85h Wireless are better overall performing over-ear headphones than the Sennheiser HD 450BT Wireless. The Jabra are more comfortable, have a significantly better control system, and their sound profile is more balanced and neutral. They also have a much better sounding microphone, their battery lasts longer, and they have a more comprehensive app. However, the Sennheiser are more stable, leak less noise, and their ANC performs a bit better in the bass range.
The Sony WH-XB910N Wireless are somewhat better headphones for most uses than the Sennheiser HD 450BT Wireless. The Sony are more comfortable, feel better built, and block out significantly more ambient noise. They also have better battery performance. The Sennheiser have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer.
The Sony WH-H910N/h.ear on 3 Wireless are better for most use cases than the Sennheiser HD 450BT Wireless. The Sony are more comfortable to wear, have a more intuitive control scheme, feel better-built, offer superior mic recording quality, and last much longer on a single charge. They also block out more ambient noise, thanks to their ANC system. Meanwhile, the Sennheiser offer multi-device pairing, have a more stable fit, and leak less audio.
The JBL Live 650 BTNC Wireless are better overall performing over-ear headphones than the Sennheiser HD 450BT Wireless. The JBL are more comfortable, have more intuitive controls, and feel better built. They have a more neutral and balanced sound too, and their ANC feature is a bit better than that of the Sennheiser. They also have a slightly more comprehensive companion app, their integrated mic performs better, and they come with an in-line mic. However, the Sennheiser have a slightly better battery performance and they leak less sound.
The Sennheiser HD 450BT Wireless and the Sony WH-XB900N Wireless are similarly performing headphones, but the Sennheiser have a slight edge. The Sennheiser have a more neutral sound profile, their ANC feature can isolate more bass noise, and their leakage performance is better. They also charge in less time, even if their battery life doesn't last as long as the Sony, and they can be paired with up to two devices at a time. The Sony, on the other hand, feel better built, their controls are easier-to-use, and their companion app is better. They also have a better performing integrated microphone, and some users may prefer their bass-heavy sound.
The Beats Solo Pro Wireless are better for most purposes than the Sennheiser HD 450BT Wireless. The Beats have much better onboard controls and a more premium look and feel. Their ANC feature does a much better job of isolating you from ambient sound. They also have a much more neutral sound profile, which some listeners may prefer. On the other hand, you can use the Sennheiser wirelessly or wired, so you can listen to audio passively when you run out of battery. They also offer multi-device pairing, and you can customize their sound profile with a graphic EQ and presets in the companion app.
The Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless are better overall performing over-ear headphones than the Sennheiser HD 450BT Wireless. The PXC 550 are more comfortable, feel better built, and have a more neutral and balanced sound. Their integrated mic performs better, and they come with an in-line mic too if you like to use your headphones wired. Their battery performance is better as well. However, the 450BT leak a lot less sound and their ANC feature does a better job of isolating bass and treble noise.
Test Results
The Sennheiser HD 450BT are very non-descript-looking headphones. While they're fairly similar in look to the Sennheiser HD 4.50BTNC, they don't have a silver ring around their ear cups. They also come in a white variant if you prefer a different look.
The Sennheiser HD 450BT have a satisfactorily comfortable fit. While they feel fairly lightweight, some users may find it a little tight due to their high clamping force. The headband isn't thickly padded either, which can be uncomfortable when worn for multiple hours at a time. The ear cups' holes are also somewhat small, and it can be difficult to put your ears into, especially if you have larger ears. On the upside, the faux-leather padding feels nice on the skin. If you want an even more comfortable pair of headphones, consider the Sony WH-CH710N Wireless.
The Sennheiser HD 450BT have okay controls. They're not the most intuitive to use and there's not a lot of voice prompt feedback to know which controls you're changing. There's a voice assistant button, a call/music management rocker, and a volume toggle. There's also a multi-function button that turns on/off ANC, power, and pairing.
The Sennheiser HD 450BT are passably portable. They can fold up to save a bit of space and they come with a carrying case, which is handy. However, they're still big and bulky headphones that can be a little difficult to carry with you on your person.
The Sennheiser HD 450BT come with a soft case that doesn't really do much to protect the headphones from impacts or drops.
The Sennheiser HD 450BT have decent build quality. They're mostly made of plastic, but they feel sturdy, especially as they're designed to fold into a more compact size. A rubber-like material coats the headband, and the ear cups have faux-leather padding. They should be able to withstand a few drops or accidental bumps but don't feel quite as sturdy as the mid-range Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless.
The Sennheiser HD 450BT Wireless have good stability. They clamp fairly tightly on the head, but they may fall off with big head shakes, so they're not the best choice for more rigorous physical activity.
- Sennheiser HD 450BT headphones
- 1/8" TRS cable
- Carrying case
- USB-C charging cable
- Manuals
Their sound profile is balanced but a little dark. They've got just a touch of extra bass, which fans of EDM and hip-hop can enjoy. That being said, they're well-suited for a variety of audio genres, such as podcasts or classical music. If you prefer a different sound, their companion app includes a graphic EQ and presets.
The frequency response consistency of the Sennheiser HD 450BT is mediocre. Due to their tight fit and the small holes for their ear cups, the padding of the ear cups doesn't necessarily lay flat on the head, which can result in an inconsistent mid to treble delivery. If you're looking for over-ear headphones that deliver sound more consistently, consider the Samson SR850.
The Sennheiser HD 450BT have great bass accuracy. It's just a little overemphasized across the range but it's even, resulting in a thumpy sound. However, some listeners may find it to be a little too boomy.
The mid accuracy is excellent. It's well-balanced and accurate, ensuring the clear reproduction of vocals and lead instruments. However, these headphones have a somewhat inconsistent mid-range delivery that's reliant on fit and positioning. Thus, this mid accuracy performance represents the average response and your experience may vary.
The Sennheiser HD 450BT has disappointing treble accuracy. It's quite underemphasized across the range, resulting in a dark and veiled sound. However, this treble accuracy performance represents the average response and your experience may vary.
The Sennheiser HD 450BT's peaks and dips performance is decent. Just like the Sennheiser HD 4.5 BTNC, there's a peak in the high-mid that descends into a dip in the low treble but it isn't as severe. It makes vocals and lead instruments sound honky and harsh while lacking detail and clarity.
The Sennheiser HD 450BT have alright imaging. The GD graph shows that the group delay has a few spikes in the low-bass range but this shouldn't be noticeable to most listeners. There's also a bit of amplitude and frequency mismatch in the L/R drivers, which may affect the placement and localization of objects such as voices, instruments, and sound effects in the stereo image. That being said, these results are only valid for our test unit, and yours may perform differently.
The Sennheiser HD 450BT's passive soundstage is poor. As these headphones have a closed-back design, they sound less open than open-back headphones. Overall, their soundstage is natural but somewhat small, so sound will be perceived as being located inside your head instead of out in front of you.
These headphones don't have any virtual soundstage features.
The Sennheiser HD 450BT's weighted harmonic distortion performance is decent. There are a couple of spikes in the treble range which appear at both a normal volume as well as max volume. However, it likely won't be too noticeable to most people.
These are the settings used to test these headphones. Our results are only valid when using these settings.
The Sennheiser HD 450BT have an alright noise isolation performance. Their active noise cancelling feature only manages to reduce bass-range noise. However, it's still pretty poor at cutting down noise like bus engines and may not be enough if you commute a lot. That said, it does a better job of reducing mid-range noise like chatter and treble-range sounds like the hum of an A/C unit.
These headphones have a great leakage performance. While their leakage sounds fuller than that of in-ears or earbuds, it's quieter than the noise floor of an average office, so you can listen to audio at a high volume without bothering those around you too much.
The Sennheiser HD 450BT have an integrated microphone.
The recording quality of the mic is disappointing. While your voice sounds natural, it sounds noticeably muffled and lacking in detail. If you want wireless over-ears with a better mic performance, check out the JBL Tune 760NC Wireless.
The noise handling of the microphone is disappointing. Your voice gets lost, even in only moderately noisy environments.
The Sennheiser HD 450BT's battery performance is good. The manufacturer advertises a continuous playtime of 30 hours with only a couple of hours of charging, and even with the noise cancelling feature on, our tests are nearly able to match it. However, while they can be used passively, you won't be able to listen to them while they charge.
Sennheiser Smart Control is a just satisfactory app. It has a very limited parametric EQ as well as a three-band graphic EQ. You can also check for firmware updates, as well as see the battery level but that's about it.
These headphones come with a 1/8" TRS audio cable, so you can use them with a wired, analog connection. They have a great, low-latency performance when using this analog connection, but sadly, their cable doesn't have an in-line mic.
The Sennheiser HD 450BT have very good Bluetooth connectivity. While they don't have NFC pairing, you can connect them to up to two devices at a time, which is handy if you like to use your headphones with your laptop and phone. However, they have high latency when using their default SBC codec as well as with aptX. This will result in some lag between the visuals and audio when streaming video. That said, these headphones also support aptX-LL (Low Latency) codec to improve their latency performance. You can hear their recorded latency with this codec here. That said, some apps and devices compensate for lag, so your performance might vary depending on which apps you use.
These headphones are Bluetooth-compatible.
The Sennheiser HD 450BT are audio-only compatible when plugged into an Xbox One controller. You won't be able to use your microphone, though.